Eyes of the Woods

This was a great story - could not put it down!

To say that I was utterly impressed with this debut author's novel would be an understatement! Eyes of the Woods was refreshing, thrilling, and quite imaginative. There's a little bit of romance, some rebellion, familial ties, obligation....basically everything to keep you invested in the words without ever feeling overwhelmed.

Eyes of the Woods was a phenomenal, multidimensional story with exploration into complex relationships. I loved Eris with her brothers and how close they all were. When she was in trouble or being doubted, it was those siblings who lifted her up. Furthermore, it was extraordinary to see the warring emotions she experienced with both her parents. Eris was dealing with duty to her family (laws of the territory and her father governing them coupled with her mother's enthusiasm for her betrothal to a man NOT of her choosing). She was struggling with doing the "right thing" versus her inner needs and desires. Even after the fateful event occurs and everything changes, she is left to decide and battle different needs against what is law. I thought it was so interesting how Eden Fierce delved into these topics. The story wasn't full of angst, but begged the question of what we must follow - society or our heart. Though it's never explicitly stated that way, it became such a shining moment in the story for me.

I really did appreciate each of the players in the story as well. I thought that each one embodied something different for Eris and made her character complete. Her father (the protector) and her mother (the nurturer); it was the quintessential picture of love and support, but having to honor and obey. They instilled values and respect, but not without showing her what love truly meant. Her brothers also played important parts and allowed her to remain grounded to the family. They were constant reminders of who she was, and where she was going. Finally, we met Daniel, the boy with the red eyes. He embodied the potential of what could be - having both her freedom and her family. It was wonderful to see him push her boundaries and force her to question things, but never without being understanding or harsh. It was astounding to see how each character came together and completed the puzzle of who she really was.

This novel was incredibly well written and thought out. As a reader, I could tell how much creative thinking and heart went into it. Eden Fierce has a pure raw talent for writing extraordinary characters in a setting we don't experience every day. The details were vivid, creating these gorgeous images in my mind. The language used was sophisticated and transported me to this time and place I was reading about. I felt a part of the story, not just merely passing through. If other novels can reflect this type of work, I hope to see a LOT more from this blooming author in the future!

This book is definitely nothing like twilight and is almost completely unrelated. I admit I bought this because of the price and my expectations weren't very high however I loved it!
The story was very intriguing and some parts were unexpected.
The one thing however that really bothered me and prevented me from giving it 5 stars is the fact that there were both gramatical errors (few but still there) and several times where the author mixed up the characters. It is forgivable since the book itself was very good and considering the author was 14 when she wrote this - can't say I've written and published at 14
I would definitely recommend to all who love paranormal romance and in general paranormal fiction. It also gives a different view on vampires